Luggage Types

When going on vacation for an overnight stay, for a business meeting or for a business trip luggage is the essential way to transport your important business and personal items. Luggage and matching designer luggage sets can be made of leather, molded plastic, twill, nylon, canvas, cotton, vinyl and suede, or a mixture of all of the above.

Popular styles of luggage, which can be purchased alone, or as part of a luggage set include:

Attach Case a small rectangular business case with buckle or zip closures, handles and various side compartments for pens, papers and other business documents.

Backpack a bag that is supported by the shoulders, with double handles, which lies across the back. Backpacks are supported by the back or by one or both shoulders.

Briefcase a hard-framed flat case with a snap closure (usually opened with a key or combination lock), a stiff handle and with various inner compartments for files and business papers.

Carry-on bag a piece of luggage small enough to fit under the seat or stored in the overhead compartment of an airplane.

Cosmetic case a small hard or soft zip case, sometimes with a mirror, used to hold cosmetics. Most cosmetic cases are lined for spill resistance.

Garment bag a soft vertical bag with a built in clothes hanger to hang garments. Some garment bags hang in one piece, while others can be folded in half and fastened.

Overnight bag any piece of luggage large enough to store items needed for an overnight stay.

Portfolio a flat, rectangular case with a locking envelope flap. Many portfolios are built with file sections so you can sort paperwork.

Pullman suitcase a rectangular, hard suitcase with wheels and a handle for pulling.

Handheld suitcase a hard or soft piece of rectangular luggage, with a handle and a zip closure, which runs around the entire outside frame. Suitcases generally have one large compartment for clothing, smaller side and inner compartments for underclothes, socks and personal items.